Finland - AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM)

Washington - WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2011 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Oct. 28 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland for 70 AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $255 million.

The Government of Finland has requested a sale of 70 AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), 2 test vehicles, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $255 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a partner nation that remains an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. Finland is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace as well as a member of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. It additionally became a European Union member in 1995. Finnish troops have participated in UN peacekeeping activities since 1956, and the Finns continue to be one of the largest per capita contributors of peacekeepers in the world. Finland is an active participant in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and in early 1995 assumed the co-chairmanship of the OSCE's Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Finland chaired the OSCE in 2008 and was part of the Chairmanship Troika in 2009.

Finland intends to integrate the JASSM on its F/A-18C/D aircraft. Finland's acquisition of JASSM is intended to modernize its current aircraft munitions suite and counter potential threats. This will contribute to the Finnish military's goal of updating its capability. Finland will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its inventory.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.